On Saturday June 21, Chicago Artists Coalition will host Starving Artists a fundraiser fusing art food and performance.
“As we celebrate CAC’s 40th anniversary year, it is with events like this that we show how vital all forms of art are, as well as the amazing collaborations that can take place to highlight the vast amount of talent within Chicago.”
This will be the first Starving Artists with CAC Interim Director Sara Slawnik
This year’s event co-chaired by Lesley Prizant Goodman and Olga Markoff will offer guests an opportunity to directly engage with the visual and culinary artists. Artists Luftwerk, Edyta Stepien have been paired with Chefs Matthias Merges (Yusho), Chris Pandel (Bristol/Balena), Kyle Peterson (Fulton Market Kitchen) and Jared Van Camp (Element Collective) to create collaborative installations for all of the senses. mixologists Jason Ackerman (Bristol), Alexander Bachman (Billy Sunday), Jason Brown (Kinmont), Revae Schneider (Femme Du Coupe) and Brian Sturgulewski (Fulton Market Kitchen).
How did Olga & Lesley get involved with CAC?
Lesley: I got involved with CAC because Olga invited me as her guest to an art showing in someone’s home that was part of a series for CAC.
Olga: I became acquainted with CAC, when a friend of mine brought me to one of their annual celebrations 2 years ago. I was captivated by the energy and creativity of the event, as well as the young and artistic people involved in putting together such an out of the box soiree.
The mission of CAC remains the most important reason I am personally involved with CAC, I use to own an art gallery and I often dealt with artist that while very talented, did not have the business acumen to promote their art.
Is there anything you’re particularly looking forward to at this year’s Starving Artist?
Lesley: This year being the 40th Anniversary of CAC, I am most excited to celebrate them, the artists and the chefs. We have made this year stellar with entertainment, goodies and a fabulous mix of art/food for the amazing guests that will be in attendance. Also, some wonderful raffle prizes and surprises. I am thrilled that FMK(Fulton Market Kitchen) will be a part of this hip/cool and fun evening.
Though Starving Artists only began 3 years ago, CAC’s roots dates back to 1974 when it was founded as an all-volunteer organization by members of the local artist community, including Ruth Migdal, Mike Segard, Pat Shafer, Ruth Talaber and Arlene Rakoncay.
As a vital resource for artists not just in Chicago but across the country, CAC does not take a commission on any of the works sold in its gallery for BOLT and HATCH exhibitions. 100% of the proceeds go to the artist! In 2012 they received their first major grant from the Andy Warhol Foundation. Many of Chicago’s rising art stars are current or former residences of CAC programs.
Event Committee: Todd Kempton, Franco LaMarca, Elizabeth von Peterffy, Jeffrey Shapack, Claire Wexler, and Mark Yee
